Residents driving along scenic Highland Road will notice the various housing styles that dot the wooded landscape. Homes in Highland MD are designed in a wide variety of ways. A focal point of many of these homes is their charming chimneys. Fireplaces and chimneys add to the quaint feel of Highland, but they also account for thousands of house fires each year. To reduce chimney fire hazards, you should have your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once a year by a professional chimney sweep. At
All Pro Chimney, our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps include aÂ
Level I Inspection with all chimney cleanings. We have a professional team that has been providing chimney sweeps in Highland, MD for many years. All Pro Chimney is the right choice for chimney sweeps.
Why choose All Pro Chimney
All Pro Chimney is committed to providing quality services and products at competitive prices. As proud members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, we are dedicated to keeping your family and home safe by reducing chimney fire hazards. We are well-versed in chimney codes and standards and stay up-to-date through ongoing education and examinations. Our highly trained and experienced chimney sweeps technicians maintain Certified Chimney Sweep credentials provided by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
How often should you have your chimney cleaned?
You should have your chimney cleaned as necessary. According to the CSIA, a fireplace cleaning is required when 1/8″ of soot buildup is evident inside the chimney and flue system. Any amount of significant soot buildup can be enough to fuel a fire, but this amount of soot is considered a risk for a fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home. Chimney cleaning should also be performed if any glaze appears in the system, regardless of how much soot buildup is evident. The
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)also recommends having your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once per year. If you’re unsure whether you should have your chimney cleaned, it’s best to err on the side of caution and schedule a cleaning.
How All Pro Chimney Cleans Chimneys
Before we begin a chimney sweep, our
CSIA-certified chimney sweeps move any items that might come in contact with our equipment. Next, we lay down a drop cloth to protect the work area. With a vacuum, we capture any dust and debris that might fall during the chimney sweeping. During this process, our team also inspects the chimney system to ensure it is in good working order. If we find that any repairs are needed, we’ll provide you with an estimate. If repairs are minor, we can usually perform them on the spot for a discounted price.
Levels of Chimney Inspections
The NFPAÂ is a global nonprofit organization that governs standards for chimney and venting inspections. The NFPA details three levels of chimney inspection in the NFPA 211: Standard on Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances. These standards help homeowners understand the type of inspection a certified chimney sweep should examine a system adequately.
Level I Inspection
A Level I inspection is recommended when the chimney and venting system is easily accessible, and the homeowner is planning to maintain its current use. In general, this is the level of inspection performed in most homes. In a Level I inspection, a certified chimney sweep verifies that the chimney structure is sound and that the chimney is free of obstructions and combustible deposits, such as creosote.
All Pro Chimney service includes a Level I inspection with every cleaning.
Level II Inspection
The addition of a new home heating appliance or a change in the type of fuel a homeowner is burning requires a Level II inspection. This inspection level is also required for the sale or transfer of property or after an operating malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. The scope of a Level II inspection includes that of the Level I inspection plus the inspection of accessible portions of the attics, crawl spaces, and basements. It may also require a video scan of the flue systems.
Level III Inspection
We complete a Level III inspection when a Level I or Level II inspection suggests a hidden hazard that cannot be evaluated without access to concealed areas. This type of check confirms the proper construction and condition of hidden portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Level III inspections are necessary when investigating an incident that has caused damage to a chimney or building, or where a hazard is detected and suspected.
Other Services From All Pro Chimney
Fireplace installation is just one of several services we provide at All Pro Chimney Service. Once your fireplace is successfully installed, you can rely on us for the following:
Chimney Sweep & Inspection Service Areas
Anne Arundel County, MDÂ | Baltimore, MD |Calvert County, MD | Carroll County, MD | Charles County, MD |Â
Howard County, MD |Â
Montgomery County | Prince Georges County, MD |
Virginia |
Washington DC